The Italian Invasion

by Gene Long

   I was notified by email that the Italians were coming.  JQ said he and `Dancer’ would pick them up at the airport and meet me at my business “Loco Cycle.”  When I got to Loco I introduced myself and met four of the nicest people I have ever met.  Jabooze, white rimmed Italian glasses, and a green Firenza shirt (I learned later this is Italian for Florence, the city they come from), director of HOG in Italy, and supporting a grin from ear to ear;  Uncle Jay, slender, smiling, quiet, and a former director of the HOG chapter;  Mauro (not to be confused with Mario), slender, dark hair, dark mustache, and the Road Captain. He has been married 33 years to Stephanie - the forth member of the team;  Stephanie, slender, beautiful, dark hair, and looking great carrying a bag always on her back.

Stephanie and group 

  We all trucked over to my house and at my invitation they brought their luggage in.  I was going to let them spend the night and then the plan was they would go on to the hotel the next day. They were so nice that the next morning I told them, “my house is your house and I want you to stay a while longer.”

About now you may be asking why this all came about.  Mark Brandon (Loner) was someone I knew since he was in high school.    He knew Big John from the old days.  `Loner’ had gone to Italy last year and had such a good time visiting with Jabooze and the group that he invited them to come stay at his house for 10 days this year, in which would include visiting the Boozefighters during the Nationals.  Unfortunately on Wednesday night around 2 am, he missed a turn on his bike and died in the crash.  The Italians had paid reservations to fly out on Thursday to have the trip of a lifetime with Loner. 

Mauro attacked 

Big John heard about the sad news and was aware of Loner’s plans with the Italians.  He asked JQ to try and contact them before they left and inform then about the tragedy, but to let them know the Boozefighters were willing to be their substitute host. That we’d work out the details after they got here.  JQ reached them just a few hours before they were to leave.

Jabooze and 3 star girl 

We did a lot of running around, meeting Boozefighters at various restaurants, bars, and such for the next couple of days and then on

Saturday we went to Lewisville to David’s shop on 121 and picked up the three bikes (free) that he provided.  We need to give him a plug for this.  The Parts Brothers LLC 214-222-7278   www.thepartsbrothers.com  located at 814 E. Hwy 121 Lewisville, TX 75057.   If you are in the area stop by and say hello. 

Group w Wideglide 

The Italians bought some old parts to have shipped to Italy and jumped on the 1200 sporty, springer, and fat boy for some good Texas riding.  I took them to the clubhouse, downtown Fort Worth, Northside, Billy Bob’s, around Lake Worth, Stroker’s, Gaylord, Wilhoit’s, Tucker’s, again to Hooters (they liked the gals), Bass Pro Shop, and a cowboy boot shop. After Loner’s funeral I took them to Arlington for a visit to Sheldon’s for free body massages (haircut, shampoo, & blow-dry for Stephanie) thanks to Richard of CH 69.  Then we were off to Bell Bottoms, Baby Dolls (we had lunch, honest), Salt Grass Steak House, Road House Café, dinner with Big John & Connie, IHOP, Bacon’s, and many other places to see and eat.  One day we went to Plano and had Chinese food.  We avoided Italian food as they told me they wanted to eat the local dishes.  I’ll bet they all added a few pounds while they were here.

Jabooze & Brooklyn 

They all spoke English pretty good except for Mauro, but then I taught him the two most important words in our language, “ME TOO.”  I would just look at him and he would say “me too.”  This got him food, drinks, and a hug from Mo as well as Diana of Chapter 2.

Jabooze and girls + Gene 

  The last few days were spent enjoying the BFMC Nationals.  They were allowed to attend our membership meeting and were introduced as our VIP guest.  Each night you would hear them ride in to the club, smile, drink, flirt with the women (except for Stephanie), take pictures, and then retreat to the hotel to prepare for the next day.

Whisky Jim's place 

  Eventually it was Sunday.  They arrived at my house at 9 am.  We had breakfast then rode to Lewisville and returned the bikes.  When the time came to unload the bags at the airport - a tear came to my eye.  I would miss these guys.  I kept thinking of Andy’s Cycles and Mauro holding his hand to his head at the sight of so many old parts.  Andy gave him both parts and tools to take back.  Again, some free items from one biker to another.  I have so many more great memories but it would take to long to tell. I look forward to seeing them again because I really enjoyed the “Italian Invasion.”

·      Post note by JQ:

·      When Big John asked me to contact the Italians none of us had ever communicated with, much less seen them.  But `Loner’ had said they were a great bunch of people (and there are a lot more of them that couldn’t make the trip) so we banked on his word.  He was absolutely correct.  We are proud to include the Italian group in our BFMC family of friends.

·      Kudos’ to Gene Long for taking so much time off from work, putting them up in his home, and touring them around.

·      Thanks to `Dancer,’ `Brooklyn’ & Pattie, for showing our guest your “Italian / American” hospitality.  And thanks to many more of our members (too numerous to list) for pitching in with great team work support.

·      To the “Italian Invasion Group” Y’ll come back again – ya hear !

·      And `Loner’ where ever you’re ridding in the wind…I trust we made you proud with our filling in.  RIDE FREE BROTHER…